With cold and flu season on the way and the fear of ebola on the rise, scientists are urging us to rethink the age-old practice of shaking hands.  A recent study by the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates just how much bacteria is transmitted through a simple handshake. Reenacting several popular greetings using specially "contaminated" gloves, researchers discovered that almost twice as much bacteria was transmitted by shaking has as opposed to giving a high-five.  A quick "fist bump" transmitted the least amount of bacteria.

This study concerns many health professionals, as the spread of infectious disease has become a more serious issue over the past few years. The website StopHandshaking.com is dedicated to getting workpace professionals to start fist-bumping instead of shaking hands.  They claim that it could cut down 80% of transmitted disease.

An author of the Journal's study, David Whitworth, PhD said "It's unlikely that a no-contact greeting could supplant the handshake; however, for the sake of improving public health we encourage further adoption of the fist bump as a simple, free, and more hygenic alternative to the handshake."

I believe the fist bump is a great start.  But we can certainly do better.  Introducing "The Boris Bump."  Take a look at the demonstration below and learn how to use my patented no-contact greeting.  Give it a try and let us know if you think it could possibly catch on.   If we work together we might just make the Hudson Valley a healty, handshake-free utopia!

 

More From WPDH-WPDA